BOTANICAL NAME Viola odorata

Violets have heart shaped leaves often with scalloped or slightly serrated edges which are dark green, smooth or sometimes downy underneath, and grow in a rosette at the base of the plant. Roots are creeping and send out runners. Depending on soil and light the flowers may be from deep purple or blue to pinkish or even yellow whitish. All have 5 petals, which may have a yellow (fur) or beard on the inside of two of the petals, blooming from March to June. Gather flowers in full bloom, leaves anytime, and rootstock in fall.



SCENT:Violet Leaf has a green, earthy, leafy note with a tender floral untertone.

STRENGTH OF AROMA:Strong - Penetrating and Long Lasting

PLANT PART: Leaves

EXTRACTION METHOD: Food Grade Solvent

ORIGIN: France

COLOUR: Green to Brown

CONSISTENCY: Viscous

NOTE: Base

USES:

Violet Leaf is well respected as having relaxing, soothing, and inspiring properties. It can be used for bronchitis, stress headaches, nervousness, insomnia, rheumatism, poor circulation, and sore throats.

Medicinal and edible, the flowers and leaves of viola are made into a syrup used in alternative medicine mainly for respiratory ailments associated with congestion, coughing, and a sore throat.

The flowers are also edible and used as food additives in salads, made into jelly, and candied for decoration. Large doses of the root contain an alkaloid called violine which is emetic (causing vomiting). A decoction made from the root (dry herb) is used as a laxative. Tea made from the entire plant is used to treat digestive disorders and new research has detected the presence of a glycoside of salicylic acid (natural aspirin) which substantiates its use for centuries as a medicinal remedy for headache, body pains and as a sedative.

The plants constituents are being studied and show these uses to be valid. Eugenol, Ferulic-acid, Kaempferol, Quercetin, Scopoletin, also show promise in the treatment of many kinds of cancer, arthritis, AIDS, gum disease and more. Used externally the fresh crushed leaves reduce swelling and soothe irritations.

As a bath additive the fresh crushed flowers are soothing to the skin and the aroma is very relaxing.

Recipes

Syrup:

Pour 1 pint of boiling water over 1 cup of packed, fresh crushed flowers and leaves. Cover and let stand for 12 hours. Strain and squeeze through cloth, add 2 lb. of sugar and boil for 1 hour or until syrupy. Store in a sterilised glass jar. Give 1 tbs. - 1 tsp. for children 2 or 3 times a day.

Tea:

Steep ¼ cup dried or fresh herb in 1 cup of water for 10 min. strain, sweeten to taste. Take in ½ cup doses twice a day.

BLENDS WELL WITH

Violet Leaf generally blends well with other essential oils and is perfect as a fixative. Specific pairings include Tuberose, oils from the floral family, Clary Sage, Lavender, Benzoin, Cumin, Basil, oils from the citrus family, Sandalwood, Geranium, and oils from the spice family.

HISTORY:

The Ancient Greeks considered the Violet a symbol of fertility and love, they used it in love potions. Pliny recommended that a garland of them be worn about the head to ward off headaches and dizzy spells.

Traditionally, the Violet was the real flower of Valentine's Day, not the Rose. Valentine was persecuted by a Roman Emperor who imprisoned him. In prison, Valentine would crush the Violet flowers growing outside to make into an ink for writing on the leaves to his friends. A dove collected these messages. He was executed on 14 February 269 AD.

In Hindu mythology, the Violet symbolises the phallus of the god, Siva.

Ancient Britons used Sweet Violets as cosmetics. The Romans made a wine from the flowers, and placed Violets on the graves of children. Pliny suggested wearing a garland of Sweet Violets around the head to dispel wine fumes and clear headache. He also prescribed Violets for gout and spleen problems.

To the Victorians, the plant symbolised faithfulness and love. In a tenth century herbal, Violet was said to be powerful against wicked spirits. Medieval Christians believed Violets bowed their heads in shame at what mankind had done to Christ and were no longer upright plants after the shadow of the Cross fell on them at Calvary. This may explain why Sweet Violets were sometimes used in Good Friday rituals. Very high in vitamin C. in olden days the flowers were boiled and mixed with milk, rice, flour and honey to make "cakes".